Wellness

The last time I was in the food store, a lady picked up a box of cupcakes, then sneezed without covering her mouth. Those germs went everywhere! She smiled at the lady next to her, put the cupcakes down and they walked off. Even if she didn’t have the flu, she could be carrying the germs.

Flu Symptoms from the Mayo Clinic website:

Fever over 100.4 F (38 C)

Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs

Chills and sweats

Headache

Dry, persistent cough

Fatigue and weakness

Nasal congestion

Sore throat

So, what can you do to avoid the flu, colds and other winter illnesses?

Many of you have probably seen the headlines regarding multivitamins and their inability to prevent chronic disease in the past few days – the result of three studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Starting from a 30,000-foot view, the premise of these studies is the first problem: looking at the use of a multivitamin alone as a way to prevent disease. The purpose of a multivitamin is to fill in nutritional gaps and provide optimum levels of vitamins and minerals. It is well established that the vast majority of Americans fail to obtain even adequate levels of these nutrients.

Prevention of any disease is a multi-factorial process that has to include diet, weight management, and lifestyle. To expect to see disease prevention accomplished by virtue of taking a daily multivitamin is a flawed premise. So, why are these large-scale (and very expensive) studies undertaken? It is simply the model of research that scientists and physicians understand – studying a single drug to determine what effect it may have on a single disease. Studying nutrition is far more complex.

While a drug has a primary effect (usually something positive), they also have a myriad of side effects (which are usually negative and even life threatening). Every year pharmaceuticals are removed from the market because of these serious side effects. A study published in JAMA in 1998 showed that as many as 125,000 Americans die each year of properly prescribed pharmaceuticals – wow! When was the last time a vitamin was removed from the market?

Vitamins and minerals all have multiple positive functional roles to play in our bodies – which is why so many Americans pop a multi each day. People simply feel better when they take a multi because they are filling in those all too common nutrition gaps.

All three of these studies showed that multivitamins have an excellent safety profile. Well, of course they do! The only “potential harm” that continues to be mentioned every time we have a study such as this published is the slight increased risk of lung cancer in smokers who took beta carotene. My response to that is – smokers: stop smoking!

Let me quickly summarize these studies. The largest one is another report from the Physician Health Study – previous publications of data from this large government funded study did show an association of reduced cancer associated with multivitamin usage.

The next study looked at cognitive decline in physicians – who are at the upper end of the intelligence scale and pretty well nourished. Showing a significant change in cognitive decline in this population is going to take some intervention beyond a multi – as this population is most likely doing lots of the right things to protect their brain function.

The third study tried to show that higher doses of specific vitamins decrease the likelihood of a second heart attack in folks who have already had a heart attack. Hmmm. Maybe we should look at weight reduction, cholesterol, blood pressure lowering, and blood sugar management as opposed to putting the burden of prevention of a second heart attack in someone with heart disease on vitamins!

I have been recommending a multivitamin (and beyond) to my patients, and consumers in general, for my entire 30 years as a physician – and nothing in these studies changes my mind. The statistics on inadequacies in our American diet are clear – most everyone is deficient in multiple nutrients. Here at Shaklee, we have the Landmark Study, published in the journal Nutrition in 2007 that showed a nice correlation of better health with multiple supplement usage, starting with a multivitamin. We have over 100 published studies that validate the connection of nutrition and health. I urge you to continue taking your Shaklee supplements – but also, to remember the importance of eating healthfully, avoiding fast foods, and getting to a healthy weight on your journey to better health.

Be well!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Chair of Medical Affairs, Health Science, & Education
Dr. Jamie McManus is an acclaimed author, board-certified family physician, and highly regarded educational speaker who has been featured in numerous radio and television shows. She is responsible for ensuring best practices in clinical research, scientific design, product development, and product messaging. A longtime advocate of preventative medicine, Dr. McManus is most passionate about inspiring others to take charge of their health through simple lifestyle changes and proper nutrition. In her downtime, she enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and playing with her 3-year-old granddaughter.

She doesn’t go a day without taking her Shaklee products, starting her day with a Shaklee 180™ Shake and Shaklee Vitalizer™.

Do you take vitamins every day?
Are they synthetic or all natural and organic?
Does it matter to you whether you take them or not?
Leave a comment with your opinion.

Aging is a complex but natural process that affects every cell, organ, and body function you have. It’s impacted by a number of factors, including genetics, nutritional habits, and other lifestyle aspects. But how exactly do we age? Well, scientists have been developing theories of aging for centuries, and more recently have invested billions of dollars into research in hopes of developing interventions to help alter or slow the aging process. To date, research suggests there are several key mechanisms involved:

DNA Damage
Every day the DNA of our cells is under assault. The causes—oxidative damage as a result of normal metabolism, mistakes in cell replication, and exposure to environmental factors such as radiation and other toxins. These assaults can cause “genetic typos” or more mistakes in DNA replication. Eventually, these mutations accumulate, causing cells to malfunction and die.

Declines in Cell Energy Production
Mitochondria are “intra-cellular power plants” that convert carbohydrates, fats, and protein from the foods we eat into cellular energy. However, as we age the number of mitochondria in our cells and their ability to produce energy decreases. In addition, the production of cell energy itself creates free radicals (highly reactive and unstable molecules) which damage mitochondrial membranes and cellular DNA. Over time, this damage accumulates and mitochondria stop functioning.

Formation of AGEs
As we age, the formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) occurs. They form when sugar molecules attach to proteins leading to structural changes called protein cross-links. AGE proteins build up slowly but accumulate as we age, and damage body tissues. Numerous studies also suggest that AGE proteins are associated with a number of age-related diseases, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

Decreased Cellular Defenses
How we age is related to the activity of genetic regulators—proteins that control the expression of genes. Nrf2 has been identified by scientists as a key master genetic regulator, and is now believed to control and coordinate the cells’ diverse natural defenses—antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory activities, detoxification enzymes, as well as our cells’ ability to repair DNA and produce energy. Not surprisingly, research focusing on the role Nrf2 plays as our “guardian of longevity” has greatly increased in recent years.

Remember: Although the years of your life can’t be changed, scientists are researching ways to help slow the rate you age, and how well you can age with a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamins are essential to life. They help keep your cells healthy and working properly. However, a recent study determined that 90% of Americans are lacking key nutrients in their diets. The problem? Without adequate intake of a variety of nutrients, long-term health challenges may arise — from compromised immunity to poor cardiovascular function and more. Getting all the nutrients you need in the right amounts can be difficult — especially when busy schedules leave you with limited food options.

This Periodic Table of Vitamns illlustrates how many vitamins we need every day. It looks like a simple chart, but there’s lots of info here.

The border color shows what that vitamin is good for (i.e. immunity, heart, beauty, mental, body or all.

The top left corner lists the daily RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance), also known as DV (Daily Value).

The letter in the upper right corner is for Antioxidant, Mineral or Vitamin.

The name and abbreviation are in the middle of the box.

The bottom row of images represent what types of food contain that antioxidant, mineral or vitamin.

Don’t be okay with feeling just okay.

If you’re like nine out of 10 Americans, you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, which can really affect your health down the line. That’s a great reason to supplement what you eat. But the important question is, how do you feel today? Your answer should be nothing short of fantastic.

In a recent clinical study, researchers found that chondroitin sulfate interferes with glucosamine absorption. New Advanced Joint Health Complex* is 100% chondroitin free.

For every pound you gain, you add four additional pounds of pressure on your knees and six additional pounds of pressure on your hips. These additional pounds can put extra strain on your joints.

New Advanced Joint Health Complex* contains a patent-pending, fast-acting form of Boswellia extract that has been shown in a clinical study to improve joint comfort in as few as 5*† days—up to 28% faster than claimed by a leading brand! And now you only have to take two a day.

This scientifically formulated blend also contains the most concentrated form of glucosamine. Glucosamine is clinically proven to:

Promote mobility*

Enhance flexibility*

Improve joint function*

Support long-term joint health*

†The specific form of Boswellia extract used in New Advanced Joint Health Complex* has been shown in a clinical study to improve joint comfort in as few as 5 days.

You’re Invited

Meet Marilyn

I’ve gone from green thumb to living green. After spending 20 years of summers out in the yard – planting flowers and vegetables, watering, weeding and reaping the harvest – I’m now going green with the realization that we need to take care of ourselves, our families and the earth. And I found a company to help me do it. I’m a Shaklee distributor.

So, now I’m into a more natural lifestyle. It didn’t happen overnight. It was a series of little changes that added up to a healthy lifestyle. And it doesn’t stop here. I continue to reevaluate and make little changes. Read the whole story.

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